Terms of Reference

Assessment of Bay of Fundy Scallop in Scallop Production Areas (SPAs) 1A, 1B, and 3-6

Regional Peer Review - Maritimes Region

November 17-18, 2015
Dartmouth, NS

Chairperson: Tara McIntyre

Context

In support of the fishery for scallop in the Bay of Fundy Scallop Production Areas (SPA) 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, DFO Maritimes Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Branch has asked DFO Science for an assessment of resource status and the consequences of various harvest levels to inform management measures and recommendations for the 2015/2016 season. The summary of bycatch species information will be used by DFO to monitor interactions of the fishery with non-target species. The last assessment of Bay of Fundy Scallop was conducted in November 2013 (DFO 2014). An interim assessment update for the fishery was conducted in November 2014 (DFO 2015).

Objectives

• Assess the status of scallop stocks by SPA (1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5, and 6), taking into account available commercial and survey information.
• Using established reference points, harvest strategies and indicators, assess the outcomes of different harvest levels in the SPAs for the 2015/2016 season, as well as provide interim advice for SPA 1A, 1B, 3 and 4 (note:  Reference point refinement when additional information is available).
• Assess the consequences of different harvest levels in the SPAs for the 2016/2017 season
• Summarize available bycatch of non-target species information and identify any notable changes in occurrence of these bycatch species relative to previous years.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Participation

• DFO Science
• DFO Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
• Aboriginal communities / organizations
• Provincial (NS and NB) governments
• Fishing Industry

References

DFO. 2014. Assessment of Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in Scallop Production Areas 1 to 6 in the Bay of Fundy. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2014/018.

DFO. 2015. Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) in Scallop Production Areas 1 to 6 in the Bay of Fundy: Stock Status Update for 2014. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Resp. 2015/002.